travel insurance for over 50s

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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in April 2024

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As an older adult, you may look forward to traveling the world when you retire. Whether taking a single trip or traveling extensively, health concerns and sickness can derail even the best plans.

One way to address those risks is to purchase one of the best travel insurance policies for older adults . We cover multiple insurance carriers and provide policy premiums and benefits examples to help you find the best travel insurance to meet your needs.

This is the shortlist of the best travel insurance for older adults:

HTH Travel Insurance .

John Hancock .

TravelSafe .

Seven Corners .

World Nomads .

Factors we considered when picking a travel insurance policy

Choosing the right travel insurance policy is an important decision. Yet, the best travel insurance company depends on your needs and budget. Here are the factors we focused on when making this list.

Available policy types . The best travel insurance companies offer multiple policy types to meet the needs of various travelers.

Policy coverage limits . How much will the policy cover if you need to make a claim?

Exclusions . Do you have pre-existing conditions that may affect your ability to travel, increase the potential for medical treatments during your trip or cut your trip short? What would cause the insurance company to deny a claim?

Cost . How much does the insurance company charge for a basic policy? Is this price affected by your age, length of the trip or overall health condition?

Website usability . We value insurance companies that make it simple for travelers to compare options, get a quote and purchase a policy online.

Customization . Are the insurance company's policies customizable to meet a traveler's needs or must they choose from a rigid set of options?

What matters most to you also impacts which travel insurance is best for you. Whether it's medical evacuation, pre-existing conditions or the repatriation of remains, each policy's coverages and limits differ.

Additionally, policy premiums can vary widely based on the length of coverage and your age. If you frequently travel, buying an annual policy instead of policies for each trip may make more sense. Additionally, your premiums may be much different as a new retiree at 65 compared with someone in their 70s or 80s.

You may be able to save money on your travel insurance policy by taking advantage of credit card benefits. For example, many travel cards include trip cancellation, delay and interruption benefits, luggage protection and rental car coverage at no additional charge when using the card to book flights and rent cars.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

An overview of the best travel insurance for older adults

We requested quotes from multiple travel insurance companies for a 10-day trip to Madrid in July 2023. Our hypothetical traveler is a 65-year-old man from California who is spending $8,000 for the trip. His trip cost includes airfare plus prepaid hotels and excursions.

On average, the price of a policy offered by the listed companies was about $514, with a median price of $609.

* Cost refers to the basic coverage cost if multiple options are available.

There are various coverage options and price points when comparing travel insurance policies for older adults. While the lowest-priced options in the chart are the most affordable, their policies offer different coverage. For example, policies from HTH Travel Insurance only provide medical coverage but not trip interruption, delay or cancellation protection.

Comparing coverage limits and exclusions when selecting a policy is important so you are satisfied when making a claim.

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

Top travel insurance options for older adults

Let's look at our six travel insurance policy recommendations for older adults.

HTH Travel Insurance

What makes HTH Travel Insurance great:

Medical benefits of up to $1 million with deductibles as low as $0.

Access to English-speaking doctors in more than 180 countries.

Insurance covers hospital care, surgery and prescription drugs.

Here's a snippet from our HTH Travel Insurance review:

"HTH has a few travel insurance policies. These include medical plans and trip protection plans, so you'll want to decide what type of coverage you require."

Since Medicare doesn't cover healthcare needs when traveling outside the United States, some travelers purchase healthcare-only policies such as this one from HTH Travel Insurance. For our test trip, their healthcare-only coverage cost is just $90. However, keep in mind that this plan only provides medical coverage — if you want insurance for things like trip cancellation , trip interruption or baggage delay, you'll need to purchase a different plan.

John Hancock

What makes John Hancock great:

Emergency medical evacuation coverage starts at $250,000 per person.

Trip interruption coverage of 125% of trip cost.

Trip delay benefits start at six hours.

Here's a snippet from our John Hancock review:

"John Hancock offers three different plans for travelers depending on their needs: Gold, Silver and Bronze. As you'd expect, the Gold level comes with the most coverage and the highest price, while the Bronze level costs the least."

John Hancock's basic coverage cost for our test trip is $616, which is slightly above average. This policy is ideal for travelers worried about health problems requiring an emergency medical evacuation during their trip.

What makes TravelSafe great:

Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if the policy is purchased within 21 days of booking travel.

Includes a $500 benefit for missed connections or trip delays.

Trip cancellation protection of up to $10,000.

Here's a snippet from our TravelSafe review:

"TravelSafe insurance offers two different plan types: Basic and Classic. Both of them only cover single trips; the company doesn't sell multi-trip or year-long plans. The TravelSafe Basic plan offers a lower level of protection than the company's more expensive option, TravelSafe Classic."

TravelSafe's basic coverage cost for our test trip is $855. While this policy has a higher price, it offers coverage for pre-existing conditions if you buy it within 21 days of booking your trip.

Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Lost baggage benefits of $500 per person (per item limit of $250).

Delayed bags are reimbursed up to $100 per day ($500 max).

Trip delay of up to $200 per day per person after six hours ($600 maximum).

Here's a snippet from our Seven Corners review:

"The RoundTrip Basic plan is a good comprehensive travel insurance option and offers 100% trip cancellation (for trips up to $30,000), 100% trip interruption, $100,000 for emergency medical expenses (secondary coverage), $250,000 for medical evacuation/repatriation, lost luggage, baggage delay and other benefits."

Seven Corners' basic coverage cost for our test trip is $602, which is slightly above average. It offers superior protection against lost or delayed luggage, which can really put a damper on your travel plans.

What makes Tin Leg great:

Trip cancellation and interruption for COVID included at no extra charge.

Coverage extended up to seven days for medical quarantine .

Sports equipment is covered under baggage loss coverage.

Here's a snippet from our Tin Leg review:

"Tin Leg offers nine different travel insurance coverage policies. Prices vary for each depending on your itinerary and trip costs. The Basic plan is exactly what it sounds like: a policy for low-risk trips. It includes coverage for trip cancellation, delay and interruption, plus missed connections, emergency medical and evacuation, and lost and delayed luggage coverage."

Tin Leg's basic coverage cost for our test trip is $844. COVID's impact on retirees can be severe, so having a policy with generous benefits regarding coronavirus is critical. One of the best features includes up to one week of additional coverage at no charge if you're medically quarantined.

World Nomads

What makes World Nomads great:

Covers more than 200 adventure activities.

Ability to extend coverage while traveling.

Emergency medical coverage of $100,000 for all policies.

Here's a snippet from our World Nomads review:

"World Nomads offers the Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans and excels in sports/activity-related travel insurance coverage while offering solid trip delay, baggage delay and lost luggage protections. The provider offers insurance plans for travel to nearly any country and is available to residents of most countries."

World Nomads' basic coverage cost for our test trip is $74. However, take note of the coverage limits on its policies, which can be much lower than the cost of your trip. Its Basic policy coverage caps trip cancellation or interruption at $2,500, which could leave a large gap in comparison to our traveler's $8,000 trip cost.

Best travel insurance for older adults recapped 

The types of insurance plans for older adults — and how much they cost — vary significantly. There are options for those who only want to cover medical costs and plans for those who want coverage for any travel mishap that might befall them.

Other things to consider are pre-existing medical conditions, what types of activities you're doing and how long you'll be traveling.

Your chosen policy will depend on your travel needs and your comfort with risk. The upfront cost may be well worth it if you need to make a claim on an expensive injury, a canceled flight or a medical evacuation. 

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Travel Insurance for Seniors & Retirees: 5 Top Picks

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Trawick International »

GeoBlue »

IMG Travel Insurance »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Trawick International

While anyone planning a trip overseas can benefit from having a travel insurance plan in place, older travelers need to prioritize this coverage more than others. The fact is, senior travelers and retirees have unique worries and risks to think about any time they travel far from home. These risks increase their need for travel health insurance and emergency medical coverage, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation that applies anywhere in the world.

Which travel insurance options work best for seniors? There are many travel insurance plans that were created with retirees in mind, although you'll want to compare them side by side. For example, you may want to look at coverage limits for medical expenses and coverage for preexisting conditions above all else.

U.S. News editors compared more than 20 of the top travel insurance companies to find the best plans for seniors. This list does the heavy lifting for you as you search for the best senior travel insurance of 2023, so read on to learn about the top picks.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Annual Coverage
• Trawick International: Best Premium Travel Insurance for Seniors
• GeoBlue: Best Travel Medical Coverage for Expats
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Short-Term Travel Medical Coverage
• WorldTrips: Best for Flexibility

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees in Detail

Available to senior travelers of all ages

Coverage for preexisting conditions is offered

Relatively low limits for emergency medical expenses

• Coverage for COVID-19
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $3,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $3,000
• Emergency medical coverage up to $20,000
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• Baggage loss coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay insurance up to $200
• Travel delay coverage up to $600 ($200 daily limit)
• Rental car damage and theft coverage up to $45,000
• Travel accident coverage up to $25,000
• 24-hour hotline for assistance
• Concierge service
• Preexisting condition coverage (must be added to plan within 14 days of first trip deposit or payment)

Customize plan with optional CFAR coverage

Incredibly high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Coverage is for trips up to 30 days if you're age 80 and older

• Up to $15,000 in trip cancellation insurance
• Up to $22,500 in trip interruption coverage
• Up to $1,000 for trip delays ($200 daily limit for delays of 12-plus hours)
• Up to $1,000 for missed connections
• Up to $150,000 for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental coverage
• $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• $400 in baggage delay coverage
• 24/7 noninsurance assistance services

Get comprehensive health insurance that applies overseas

Preventive and routine care included

Age limits apply for new applicants and renewals

• Preventive and routine care
• Professional services like surgery
• Inpatient medical care
• Ambulatory and therapeutic services
• Rehabilitation and therapy

Get overseas medical coverage for single trips or multiple trips

Plans were created with seniors and retirees in mind

Lower maximum coverage limits for travelers ages 80 and older

Limited nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Inpatient and outpatient medical coverage such as for physician visits, hospitalization and surgery
• Emergency and nonemergency medical evacuation coverage
• Coverage for emergency reunions
• Return of mortal remains
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to $5,000
• Lost luggage coverage worth up to $250 (up to $50 per item)
• Coverage for terrorism worth up to $50,000
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage worth up to $25,000

Customize your deductible and premiums

Generous medical limits for travelers ages 65 to 79

Limited medical coverage for travelers older than 80

• Up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage
• Medical benefits like hospital room and board, chiropractic care, and more
• Coverage for repatriation of remains
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Up to $10,000 in trip interruption insurance
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day in coverage for travel delays of 12-plus hours
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for bedside visits
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions

Frequently Asked Questions

You can purchase some travel insurance plans (but not all) if you're older than 80 years old. However, your premiums may be higher and you'll typically qualify for lower coverage limits overall. Make sure you compare the best travel insurance plans for seniors to find the right fit for your needs.

Since seniors and retirees are more likely to face a medical emergency during a trip, most travel insurance plans for seniors include coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Coverages vary among plans, as do limits, so make sure to compare options before you book a trip overseas.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has successfully filed claims during that time. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg, a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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What Older Travelers Need to Know About Getting Travel Health Insurance

While most of us tend to feel younger than we are — and are likely to be healthier and more fit than our parents were at our age — there's no denying that it's prudent for older travelers to think about purchasing travel health insurance coverage before taking a trip, especially when venturing outside the US. The odds of getting sick or having to address a chronic medical issue while traveling increase as we age.

At age 65 and older, many US citizens are eligible for Medicare (read about the eligibility requirements here ). Medicare, however, does not cover health care services or supplies for recipients traveling outside the country, except in rare cases.

There are three ways Medicare-eligibles can get health coverage while traveling abroad. Some specific Medigap policies (Medicare supplement insurance) provide this type of coverage. Travelers need to assess the type of Medigap policy they have and the specific circumstances under which coverage is provided. There's also Medicare Advantage and other Medicare programs (as opposed to Original Medicare) that may provide such coverage. Again, travelers need to determine the specifics of the coverage offered by their plans. But if neither of the above applies, older travelers should consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that provides health coverage.

We asked Stan Sandberg, co-founder of the travel insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com , some health insurance questions that commonly arise for older travelers. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Related: Is Credit Card Travel Insurance Sufficient?

In general, how does age affect the cost of travel insurance?

Stan Sandberg: Similar to other actuarial-based insurance products, the older you are, the more costly your insurance will be. This is true both for medical-only plans and for trip cancellation insurance. The good news is that the travel health insurance cost increases related to age aren't as great as you might expect — especially if you are healthy with no pre-existing conditions.

A sample of 23 products we offer on TravelInsurance.com shows an average price increase of just under $85 for an 85-year-old versus an 80-year-old. For healthy buyers the same ages without a pre-existing condition , the increase is less than $35. And based on a $2,000 trip (looking across the same 23 products), the average premium for a comprehensive travel insurance plan, including trip cancellation coverage, is $109.25 for a 50-year-old; $140.90 for a 60-year-old; and $183.99 for a 70-year-old. So the increase is about 30% from ages 50 to 60, and about 30% from ages 60 to 70.

Do all, or some, policies have age limits?

Some policies, in particular travel medical policies, have an age limit. But for most trip cancellation policies, travelers won't start seeing fewer plans until they celebrate their 101st birthday!

What is the difference between annual travel insurance policies and single trip insurance for older travelers?

Annual plans cover multiple trips taken during a one-year period. Irrespective of age, however, the coverage limits of annual plans are cumulative, so a traveler could theoretically exhaust the benefits with a single claim on a first trip. Since seniors often have more time to travel, annual plans can be attractive to those who travel more than four times a year. But potential purchasers should carefully compare the costs and coverage of an annual plan with those offered as Medicare supplements.

What about obtaining insurance when you have pre-existing medical conditions? Is there any way around such exclusions?

Most policies exclude losses that stem from a pre-existing condition. (A pre-existing condition is defined as any prior injury, illness, disease or other type of medical condition for which a person sought care in the six to 12 month period prior to the effective date of the policy.) However, some policies offer a "pre-existing condition exclusion waiver" that allows coverage of pre-existing conditions. To qualify, purchasers must meet certain requirements. These typically include:

• Purchasing the travel insurance policy within a defined time period (usually seven to 21 days from when the initial payment for the trip was made. )
• Travelers need to insure 100% of their pre-paid and nonrefundable trip costs.

We recommend that travelers speak to a licensed agent and read the fine print before purchasing a policy with an exclusion waiver.

What do travelers who do a lot of cruising need to know about travel health insurance?

Most travel insurance plan benefits apply to cruisers and non-cruisers alike, but some plans will have certain benefits [like] returning to land for medical evacuation that are designed specifically for cruisers.

What additional protections does trip cancellation and interruption insurance offer?

Although it adds to the cost, this option can cover the reimbursement of trip costs due to a range of unexpected circumstances — from last-minute illnesses to severe weather and natural disasters.

A Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade offers the most flexibility, reimbursing up to 75% of total trip costs for a cancellation of any reason up to 48 hours prior to trip departure. This benefit also has to be purchased within seven to 21 days of the initial trip payment and 100% of pre-paid and nonrefundable trip costs need to be insured.

What is medical evacuation insurance? What does it cover?

Generally speaking, emergency medical evacuation coverage will pay for transportation to the nearest hospital or medical facility that can treat you if one is not available at your location.

The coverage may also cover Medical Repatriation or the cost of transportation back to the US when your condition improves and you're cleared to travel home. Policies may also include coverage for transporting children home if you are hospitalized for an extended period. Or if you're traveling alone, the coverage may pay to bring someone to your bedside if you have an extended hospital stay.

In the event of a death during a trip, some plans may also include Return of Remains coverage that would cover the cost of bringing back the deceased.

What are some other caveats to keep in mind when pricing travel health insurance?

Pricing can vary somewhat between states, so the state where you reside may affect pricing. And remember, even if you have coverage from a Medigap plan, it can have deductibles, lifetime coverage limits up to $50,000 and limitations on trip length.

If you are traveling in a group, you might ask the sponsor about the availability of group travel insurance. Group plans are designed for easy administration by a group leader, who manages member sign-ups and changes — and the pricing for group plans doesn't change based on a traveler's age.

Thus, for senior travelers, group policies may be more cost-effective compared to nongroup, individual policies. However, individual policies can have higher coverage limits and more options available if travelers want to tailor their coverage.

Related: The Best Credit Cards With Travel Protections

Bottom Line

Buying travel health insurance is complicated under any circumstances because it's difficult to compare products (policies) from different insurers and wade through the fine print. But for older travelers — for whom the costs of insurance tends to be higher and the purchasing options fewer — these decisions can be daunting.

Of course, travelers always need to first understand the benefits and limitations of the health insurance policies they currently have in place (think: Medicare and private health insurance) to determine what additional coverage is necessary to protect their health as well as the financial investment in a trip.

Third-party insurance sites — like TravelInsurance.com , Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com — can help consumers compare the provisions and costs of different policies and, hopefully, avoid potential landmines.

Comparison sites like these offer consumers the ability to chat online, speak to agents by phone, and/or correspond by email after hours to help answer specific policy questions. In addition, the sites can help connect travelers with insurance providers in the unlikely event of the need to file a claim.

Feature photo by Hero Images / Getty Images.

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance for seniors in April 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 4:00 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

Tin Leg and Trawick International offer the best travel insurance for seniors, according to our analysis of plans’ cost and coverage limits.

Best senior travel insurance plans of 2024

• Tin Leg: Gold
• Trawick International: Safe Travels First Class
• Seven Corners: Trip Protection Choice
• Generali Global Assistance: Premium
• Nationwide: Prime

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 840 coverage details evaluated.
• 84 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Top-rated travel insurance for seniors

Best plan for seniors

Average cost for seniors, covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, what you should know.

For the amount of coverage you get, Tin Leg’s Gold plan is competitively priced. It includes $500,000 in emergency medical benefits and another $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

• Excellent $500,000 per person in primary emergency medical coverage.
• Very good emergency medical coverage of $500,000 per person.
• Eligible for pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if conditions are met.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Hurricane and weather coverage kicks in only after a 48-hour delay.
• Lowest baggage and personal item loss coverage of our top-rated senior plans.
• Lowest travel delay coverage of our top-rated senior plans.
• No rental car coverage option.

Trawick International

Trawick International’s Safe Travels First Class policy is a relatively inexpensive option that comes with $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage and a high per person limit for baggage and personal items loss.

• Second-cheapest of our best senior plans.
• Best-in-class medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.
• Pre-existing condition coverage available if conditions are met.
• Baggage loss coverage of $2,000 per person is the best among our top senior plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage upgrade available.
• Travel delay benefit takes 12 hours to kick in.
• Lower emergency medical benefit of $150,000 is secondary coverage.

Seven Corners

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan has high emergency medical and medical evacuation limits, as well as rare coverage for non-medical evacuation. In addition to “cancel for any reason” coverage, you can also pay extra for “interruption for any reason” coverage.

• Excellent $1 million emergency medical evacuation coverage plus $20,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• Great “interruption for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
• The most expensive of our top-rated senior travel insurance plans.

Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance’s premium plan offers trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip cost. Most top-rated competitors offer a maximum of 150%.

• Top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Solid baggage loss coverage of $2,000 per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
• Baggage must be delayed for 12 hours before benefits kick in.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,000 per person only applies to cruises and tours.
• Emergency medical expense benefit is secondary coverage.

Nationwide Prime travel insurance offers an exceptional 200% coverage for trip interruption.

• If you need to cut your trip short for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed up to 200% of your prepaid trip cost.
• High travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day limit).
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% is available.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.

Compare the best travel insurance for seniors

Methodology

Our insurance experts analyzed cost and coverage data from 21 plans to determine the best senior travel insurance. For this rating, we only scored travel insurance plans that offer the option to buy “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:

Cost: 50 points. We scored the average cost for each travel insurance policy for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.

Medical expenses: 15 points. Travel insurance plans that offer travel medical expense benefits of $500,000 per person were given the highest amount of points.

Medical evacuation: 15 points. Travel insurance plans with emergency medical evacuation benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest number of points.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 20 points. Travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions if the policy is purchased within a required timeline received points.

What is covered by travel insurance for seniors?

The best travel insurance bundles several types of insurance to provide financial protection before and during your trip. 

A comprehensive senior travel insurance plan will include the following coverage types: 

• Trip cancellation insurance . 
• Trip delay insurance.
• Trip interruption insurance. 
• Travel medical insurance. 
• Emergency medical evacuation .
• Baggage loss and delay coverage.

What’s the most important travel insurance coverage for senior travelers?

Health is a top concern for older travelers. Travel insurance for senior citizens should have high coverage limits for trip interruption, travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation. 

“Since Medicare doesn’t provide coverage abroad, it’s important for senior travelers to pay close attention to policies’ medical benefits, including emergency medical, medical evacuation and pre-existing conditions,” said James Clark, a spokesperson for the travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth, the company behind Tin Leg travel insurance.

Older travelers should also pay attention to whether a travel insurance plan’s emergency medical coverage is primary or secondary.

“When traveling outside the U.S., seniors should know that it’s recommended to purchase a travel insurance plan that includes primary emergency medical coverage,” said Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vice president, Carol Mueller.

 “Senior travelers on Medicare who purchase a travel insurance plan with secondary medical coverage will need to first try to get Medicare to cover their emergency travel medical expenses, which in many cases is limited to no coverage,” said Mueller. “Avoid the hassle and choose a travel insurance plan with primary medical coverage.”

How to choose the best senior travel insurance

Senior travelers shopping for travel insurance should look for plans with these benefits:

• Emergency medical expense coverage of at least $250,000. This pays for emergency medical expenses you incur during your trip and includes medical coverage for COVID-19 . 
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $500,000. This pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility for you to get the care you require when a physician says your illness or injury is severe enough to warrant it. Emergency medical evacuation coverage may also pay to fly a loved one to be with you and to fly you home for further treatment or recovery. 
• Preexisting condition coverage. Some plans include a preexisting condition waiver as long as you buy travel insurance within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, you insure the full value of your trip and you are medically able to travel at the time of departure. Having a waiver will give you coverage for medical conditions documented in your health history in the 60 to 180 days before you buy your plan, with some exclusions.
• Trip interruption coverage of 150%. Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if your trip is unexpectedly interrupted while you’re in transit or at your destination. It can also cover travel costs associated with having to change your plans, such as needing to buy a last-minute economy ticket for a one-way flight home. Buying an extra ticket can push your claim over 100% of your original trip expenses, so it’s wise to look for a plan that reimburses up to 150%. 
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available. For an additional cost, you can sometimes add “cancel for any reason” coverage to your travel insurance plan. This typically reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses if you decide not to travel for a reason not covered by your policy, as long as you cancel at least two days before you’re scheduled to travel.

How much does senior travel insurance cost?

The average cost of senior travel insurance is $434 per trip , based on our analysis of rates for older travelers. For senior trips with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage, the average cost of travel insurance increases to $629.

Travel insurance for seniors typically costs around 7% to 9% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. Adding CFAR coverage can add 45% or more to that cost.

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on the age of you and your fellow travelers, the length of your trip and the total of your nonrefundable trip costs.

Compare senior travel insurance rates

Average senior travel insurance costs are based on rates for international trips for travelers ages 65 and 70, with CFAR coverage and without. Travel insurance plans have different levels of benefits, which can account for price differences.

How to save money on travel insurance for seniors

Travel insurance companies don’t typically offer discounts. But if you can get a senior discount on any of your travel itself, you’ll have a smaller trip cost to insure. This will lower the cost of your senior travel insurance.

Getting quotes from multiple travel insurance providers is also a great way to save money. Every policy offers more coverage in some areas and less in others. Depending on what coverage is most important to you, certain policies will give you more value than others. 

More: What does travel insurance cover?

Is CFAR worth it for senior travelers?

CFAR coverage adds to the cost of your plan, but older travelers may want to consider a travel insurance policy with both trip cancellation insurance and “cancel for any reason” coverage, said Clark.  

CFAR benefits offer maximum flexibility to cancel your plans due to illness, injury or any other reason and will reimburse a percentage of your nonrefundable trip costs, usually 50% or 75%. The only caveat is that you’ll need to cancel at least two days before you plan to travel.

When shopping for travel insurance, look for CFAR-related fine print. You often must buy CFAR within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, such as 14 days. You are also usually required to insure the full value of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

More travel insurance for seniors resources

• What is travel insurance?
• What does travel insurance cover?
• Average cost of travel insurance
• Is travel insurance worth it?
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best cruise travel insurance  

Best senior travel insurance FAQs

If you rely on Medicare for health insurance and you’re traveling internationally, buying senior travel insurance with excellent emergency medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation benefits is a good idea.

“One of the most important considerations for travelers with existing health issues is to find a plan that offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver,” said Stan Sandberg, cofounder and CEO of TravelInsurance.com. 

To qualify for the waiver, you’ll usually need to purchase your trip insurance policy within seven to 14 days of making your initial trip payment. Some premium policies may extend this coverage if you buy them before or within 24 hours of making your final trip payment, he said.

Even with a waiver, medical bills related to certain excluded conditions such as dementia or depression may not be covered, so read the policy carefully to see if your preexisting conditions qualify.

More: Is travel insurance worth it?

Tin Leg’s Gold plan and Trawick International’s Safe Travel First Class plan provide the best travel insurance for seniors for the price, according to our analysis. These are the only plans to merit 5 stars in our rating.

Yes, you can get travel insurance over 80, but it will cost you more.

Yes. If you’re shopping for travel insurance over 80, for instance, you’ll pay an average of 18% of your total trip cost. That is considerably higher than the average cost of travel insurance for a 30-year-old, which is only 5%.

Travel insurance for the elderly varies by insurer when it comes to upper age limits . If you are concerned about finding the best travel medical insurance for seniors over 7 0 , start with an online comparison site like Squaremouth where you only have to enter your age and trip details once to see which policies are available to you.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors

When it comes to planning a trip, there is one expense far too many travelers overlook: travel insurance .

It’s a boring topic to research and read about — and it is an added expense many budget travelers aren’t excited about paying. Chances are nothing is going to go wrong, right? Why not just save the money and spend it on more travel?

Unfortunately, as many people have learned the hard way — myself included — things can go wrong at the drop of a hat. I’ve had my luggage lost, had brand new gear broken, and needed emergency medical help while traveling (on multiple occasions).

And these are just the “serious” incidents. I’ve also experienced countless flight delays and cancellations — events that are also covered by travel insurance.

In short, things can (and will) go wrong on the road. Why not make sure you’re prepared?

This is especially important for older travelers.

While older travelers generally have a bit more sense than younger backpackers (when was the last time you saw a 65-year-old jumping a burning skipping rope at the Full Moon Party in Thailand or bombing down Death Road in Peru?), there are often health and medical issues that need to be considered.

Even if you’re a healthy 55+ traveler, buying travel insurance is a necessary step in your planning. It will cover you for delays and cancelations, injuries, and worse. It’s a safety net for you and your loved ones that will not only help you avoid massive medical expenses but also provide you with peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worry.

I never leave home without it. You shouldn’t either.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying travel insurance as an older or senior traveler.  

What to Look for in a Comprehensive Insurance Policy

Insurance is a billion-dollar business, and everyone wants their hand in the cookie jar. Consequently, you face a mind-numbing number of companies and policies, some with terminology that can be confusing and overwhelming.

So, what should you do?

First, make sure your travel insurance offers a high coverage limit on your medical expenses. Most travelers can get by with $100,000 USD in coverage. However, if you’re older or have a medical condition, then you may want more ($250,000-500,000 USD would be my suggestion).

High coverage limits are important because if you get sick, injured, or need serious attention and have to seek professional care, you’ll want to make sure your high hospital bills are covered. The worst thing you can do is go cheap and get a policy with a $20,000 USD coverage limit, then break a leg and reach that limit before they are done taking care of you.

Second, you want to make sure your travel insurance policy covers emergency evacuation and care that is separate from your medical coverage. For example, if you are hiking in the woods and you break your leg, your policy should cover your evacuation to the nearest acceptable medical facility.

If a natural disaster occurs and you need to be evacuated to somewhere else, your plan should cover that as well, ideally up to $300,000 USD.

Additionally, make sure you understand if your evacuation coverage will pay for you to get home or if it will just send you to the nearest acceptable facility. For example, if you break your leg abroad, most insurance policies will pay for your hospital bills. However, they won’t pay for you to get home since it’s not a life-threatening injury requiring advanced care.

Standard emergency evacuation coverage frequently only pays for a flight home if your current facility is inadequate or if it’s “medically necessary.”

In short, double-check if your company will cover the cost of your flight back home if you need it.

If you’d prefer not to stay in a foreign hospital for treatment and recovery, you should look into a medical transport membership program like Medjet , which ensures that, should you be hospitalized abroad, you’ll be able to be repatriated — something many travel insurance policies can’t guarantee ( read more about Medjet in my comprehensive review ).

Third, great travel insurance plans always include the following provisions:

• Coverage for most countries (including the places you plan on visiting)
• Coverage for injury and sudden illnesses
• Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, like jewelry, baggage, documents, etc.
• Some coverage for your electronics (and the option for a higher coverage limit)
• Coverage for cancelations for hotels, flights, and other transportation bookings if you have a sudden illness, death in the family, or some other emergency
• Coverage for political emergencies, natural disasters, or strife in the country that may cause you to head home early
• Financial protection if any company you are using goes bankrupt and you are stuck in another country
• 24/7 assistance (you don’t want to call to be told to call back later)

A quick note on electronics: Most companies only have a small limit (usually up to $500 USD per item), as part of their basic coverage. You can often buy supplemental insurance for more coverage. If you’re traveling with lots of expensive gear, make sure you buy supplemental coverage.

Additionally, as an older traveler, you may also want:

• Policies that cover preconditions (if you have them). Since most policies exclude these, you’ll need to shop around for a plan that will cover them.
• Insurance plans that include a “cancel for any reason” clause. If you think you may need to cancel your trip before you depart and don’t want to risk losing your money, find a policy that offers this. It’s less common (and more expensive), but it might be useful if you have a medical condition that might impact your trip.

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Senior Travelers

Here’s a quick overview of Medjet :

• Extensive medical transport coverage
• Offers regular coverage up to age 74 (with extended coverage up to age 84)
• Coverage for COVID-19
• Limited time spent in foreign medical facilities
• Both short-term and annual plans
• Available to residents of the US, Canada, and Mexico

Insure My Trip

As an older traveler, this is the best place for you to shop around and get a quote. You’ll be able to find policies for travelers over 70 as well as plans that have a “cancel for any reason” clause. It also offers policies that include coverage for certain pre-existing conditions.

Here’s a quick overview of IMT :

• Comparisons of plans from over 20 different companies to ensure you get the best one
• Guaranteed low prices
• Coverage for travelers over 65
• “Anytime advocates” ask the insurer to give your claim a second look if you think it was unfairly denied

A Note on COVID-19 (and Other Pandemics)

As many travelers learned the hard way in 2020, most travel insurance policies historically did not cover pandemics. Until recently, that really wasn’t a concern for most travelers, including me. Prior to 2020, I never really gave the “pandemic clause” much thought when reading my insurance policies.

However, these days pandemic coverage is at the forefront of every traveler’s mind (and rightly so).

Fortunately, over the past few years, insurance companies adapted and most companies now provide limited coverage for COVID-19 (or other pandemics). This limited coverage usually includes trip cancellation or delay, though some also have medical coverage for COVID or transportation home (as is the case with Medjet ).

Before you buy a plan, read the fine print regarding pandemics and COVID-19. Make sure you fully understand what is and is not included so you can take appropriate action should a situation arise. When in doubt, call them and speak to a representative. Don’t risk your health on assumptions!

Everyone should buy travel insurance before they leave home — regardless of their age. While most travelers only experience minor hiccups, such as delayed flights or lost baggage, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry should a health emergency arise.

However, older travelers in particular should make sure they have the coverage they need in case something goes awry. While their options are usually less robust (and more expensive), there are still plenty of affordable ones to ensure you are protected as you enjoy your well-earned travels.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Essential Guide to Over 50s Travel Insurance

Traveling is an exciting experience that should be enjoyed at any age. For those over 50, exploring new destinations and embarking on thrilling adventures becomes even more appealing. However, it is important to prioritize your safety and peace of mind when planning your next trip. This is where over 50s travel insurance comes into play.

Understanding Over 50s Travel Insurance

Over 50s travel insurance is a specialized insurance policy designed to provide coverage and protection for individuals who are 50 years of age or older. It offers a range of benefits that cater to the specific needs of mature travelers. Whether you are planning a relaxing beach holiday or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, having the right travel insurance can ensure that you have a worry-free trip.

Key Benefits

Medical Expenses Coverage: As we age, there may be an increased likelihood of requiring medical assistance while traveling. Over 50s travel insurance provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, ensuring that you receive the necessary care without worrying about the financial burden.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Life is unpredictable, and unexpected circumstances such as illness or family emergencies may force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Travel insurance for over 50s covers non-refundable expenses, allowing you to recoup your financial investment.

Baggage and Personal Belongings: Losing your luggage or having items stolen can be a major inconvenience. With over 50s travel insurance, you can receive compensation for lost, damaged, or stolen belongings, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Emergency Assistance: In unfamiliar surroundings, it is reassuring to know that help is just a phone call away. Over 50s travel insurance offers round-the-clock emergency assistance services, including medical advice, legal support, and emergency evacuation if necessary.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Over 50s travel insurance takes into account pre-existing medical conditions and provides coverage for any related emergencies that may occur during your trip. It is important to disclose these conditions during the application process to ensure full coverage.

Choosing the Right Policy

Before purchasing over 50s travel insurance, it is crucial to assess your individual needs and compare policies from different providers. Here are some factors to consider:

Coverage Limits: Different policies offer varying levels of coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. Ensure that the policy you choose aligns with your travel plans and provides adequate coverage in case of unforeseen events.

Exclusions and Limitations: Familiarize yourself with the exclusions and limitations of the policy. Some insurance policies may not cover certain activities or have restrictions on destinations, so it is important to review these details to avoid any surprises.

Claim Process: Research the ease and efficiency of the claims process. Choose an insurance provider that has a reputation for handling claims fairly and efficiently, as this will greatly impact your experience in the event of filing a claim.

Additional Coverage Options: Some travel insurance policies offer add-ons such as coverage for high-value items, adventure activities, or rental car protection. Assess your specific needs and consider adding these options to enhance your coverage.

Cost Considerations

When considering the cost of over 50s travel insurance, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence pricing. Firstly, your age plays a significant role, as insurers often adjust premiums based on age brackets. Older travelers may face higher premiums due to perceived increased risk.

The duration and destination of your trip also impact the cost. Longer trips and visits to destinations with higher healthcare costs or greater risk factors may result in higher premiums. Additionally, the level of coverage you select affects pricing. Basic plans may offer limited coverage at a lower cost, while comprehensive policies provide more extensive protection at a higher price.

While it’s natural to seek the cheapest policy available, it’s crucial to assess the value you’re receiving. Opting for the lowest-priced plan may leave you underinsured and vulnerable to significant expenses in case of emergencies. Instead, consider the potential risks and costs associated with travel mishaps such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

To strike the right balance between affordability and coverage, compare quotes from multiple insurers. Look for policies tailored to the needs of older travelers, offering comprehensive benefits like emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, and assistance services. Some insurers may offer discounts or special rates for over 50s, so be sure to inquire about available savings.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a policy that provides adequate coverage for your travel needs without breaking the bank. By carefully considering your options and prioritizing protection over price alone, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for whatever your journey may bring.

Traveling after 50 can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, and having the right protection in the form of over 50s travel insurance is essential. It provides the peace of mind and financial security necessary to fully enjoy your adventure. By understanding the key benefits, comparing policies, and carefully considering your needs, you can select the right travel insurance policy that will protect you on your next journey. So, pack your bags, explore the world, and let over 50s travel insurance be your trusted travel companion.

Travel Insurance For Over 50s and Seniors: What You Need to Know

Regardless of how often you travel, it’s important to consider that health concerns may get in the way of the best experience. Thinking about good travel insurance is critical, especially if you travel solo at fifty-plus . In this article, we cover what type of travel insurance to choose, the best options for travel insurance companies for senior travellers and those over 50, and information to help you select the one that best suits you and your travel plans.

Table of Contents

Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Insurance for Over 50s

Here is what we recommend for travel insurance for travellers over 50s and seniors. Here’s a website that compares several companies on the market from the US: Travel Insurance Comparison Site, Safety Wing for long-term travellers from the US, and Cover-More from Australia for Australian residents.

Safety Wing ↗

The best travel insurance for US frequent and long-term travellers up to 69 years to international destinations worldwide.

Cover More ↗

The best Travel Insurance +65 for Australian citizens, with a wide range of international plans and covers.

Travel Insurance ↗

The best Travel Insurance comparison online tool in the US. Compare different insurance plans from +10 insurance companies.

• Travel insurance
• Over 50 travel insurance

Over 50s travel insurance

Compare travel insurance for over 50s, choose add-ons like golf and sports cover, personal possessions and money cover, compare different types of policies such as business, single trip or multi trip, what is over 50s travel insurance.

It’s simply travel insurance  that covers you in your 50s. There’s nothing particularly different or specialist about travel insurance for over 50s. Prices won't really be all that different compared to someone in their 20s or 30s.

You might see price increases or fewer insurers if you have a pre-existing health condition, but this would be the same for someone of any age. There’s no upper age limit with these policies, so you might see less insurers in the results only when you get into your 80s or 90s.

Insurance naturally goes up in price the older you get for travel, but being in your 50s, you don’t really have to worry too much in terms of price and availability of insurers.

What does travel insurance cover?

An over 50s travel policy will cover the same as a standard policy. This may include:

• Medical treatment and return travel to the UK if you’re unwell or are injured on holiday
• Cancellation cover if your holiday is cancelled or you can't go on your trip
• Baggage, personal possessions and money cover if your items are lost or stolen

An over 50s travel insurance policy might offer slightly enhanced medical benefits or no age limits on the cover.

It’s important to check exactly what is and isn’t covered to get the best value cover. Terms will vary between different policies and insurance companies.

What doesn't it cover?

Common exclusions for over 50s travel insurance include

• Travelling against FCDO advice. When travelling, always follow the latest government advice .
• Failure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a medical condition, you should get a pre-existing conditions insurance quote to make sure you're covered on your trip.
• Incidents involving alcohol or drugs.
• Activities or sports, unless you've included them as extras. Let your insurer know if you're doing anything such as skiing or adventure sports.
• Waiting too long to report an incident. You need to declare any lost or stolen personal possessions usually within 24 hours. But this should be detailed in the policy.

Make sure you're familiar with all the exclusions on your policy before you travel, and always make sure you're honest when getting a quote.

How much does over 50s travel insurance cost?

The cost of your policy varies depending on:

• Where you’re travelling - for example, travelling to the USA is likely to cost more than Europe
• How long you’re away for - the longer the trip, the more you're likely to pay
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition
• If you want to add any extras to your policy, like golf or cruise cover

Here are the average costs of 1 week policies for some of the most popular destinations around the world: 1 :

1 The cheapest over 50 policies by worldwide destinations. Based on 1 adult aged 55, with no previous medical conditions travelling for 1 week. Confused.com data - February 2024.

We compare 43 trusted travel insurance companies to find you our best deals

What are the main types of over 50s cover?

There are several types of cover to choose from, each designed to suit a different type of trip. They include:

Single trip travel insurance

Covers you for 1 trip to a single destination. Depending on the insurer this could be up to a month or longer.

Annual travel insurance

Sometimes known as multi-trip, this type of cover is for people who make multiple trips in a 12-month period. It usually covers you for an unlimited number of trips in a year, but each trip is usually limited to 31 days. Some travel insurance providers offer policies that cater for longer individual trips.

Backpacker travel insurance

Could be useful if you're planning on going travelling around multiple countries. These policies cover you for between 1 and 18 months and may be ideal sabbaticals from work or early retirement.

Business travel insurance

Provides cover for your laptop and other business equipment while abroad, as well as any company money that’s lost or stolen.

What optional extras are available?

To get the right level of cover for your trip, you can add optional extras to your policy:

• Golf cover insures your equipment. This isn't always available with over 50s cover, so check your policy.
• Cruise cover covers your cruise for unscheduled stops or missing a port. It also covers you for medical emergencies on board and cabin confinement.
• Specialist sports cover includes water and winter sports.
• Gadget cover can help if the cover limit on a standard policy isn’t high enough for your gadgets.
• Single item cover for those travelling with items that exceed the single item limit, like a watch or jewellery.

Compare over 50s travel insurance quotes

What information do i need for an over 50s travel insurance quote.

To get a quote we'll need information about:

• The dates you’re travelling
• The country or countries you’ll be visiting
• Any pre-existing medical conditions

For annual trips, you don’t need to include specific travel dates or holiday details as you may not have booked them all. But you do need to specify the parts of the world you want to include.

Can I get a quote with a serious pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can still get a quote with us for over 50s travel insurance if you have a medical condition . We have a range of insurers who offer quotes for many declared serious medical conditions. Bear in mind that you may find fewer results, though, depending on your situation. We may ask if you’ve seen a doctor in the last 2 years and whether you’re currently waiting for any tests or investigations.

These conditions include:

• Serious heart conditions
• Respiratory conditions
• Terminal conditions

You must tell your insurer about any conditions or illness so they can confirm if any claims relating to them will be covered. Cover for some conditions could make your policy more expensive. If you don’t tell your insurer about a medical condition, this could invalidate a claim and you could be left with a hefty bill.

Not all insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions. If you’re unable to find suitable cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPS) has also set up a directory of insurers through their brand MoneyHelper. They're willing to cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions. You can phone them on 0800 138 7777 for free impartial advice.

What our travel insurance expert says

''There aren’t really any differences between a travel policy in your 30s and 40s and one your 50s and beyond. The only real difference is perhaps a minimal price difference, as the risk of getting injured or becoming ill when abroad increases as you get older.''

''The easiest way to do stay covered is to get a quote and compare your options.''

Will my EHIC or GHIC cover me while I'm on holiday?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) work only in Europe and only to a minimal extent. Since the UK left the EU in 2020, your EHIC doesn't cover you if it’s expired. You need to have a valid EHIC or apply for a GHIC to get state-level medical treatment.

But these cards don't replace travel insurance. You should still have a travel insurance policy with the right level of medical cover included.

Why choose Confused.com?

• We compare quotes using our 43 trusted travel insurance providers. All of our providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means we have to follow a set of strict guidelines in terms of how we operate and serve our customers.
• We're rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot.
• Our team of experts review all our content  to ensure we're always providing our customers with accurate information.
• We're 100% independent, not owned by an insurance company so prices we show are the best available based on the information you provide.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Backpackers travel insurance.

covers you for travel in multiple locations over a 12-month period.

covers you for any business-related trips.

Cruise travel insurance

helps you compare policies tailored for those who love to go on cruises.

Long stay travel insurance

is the perfect policy for those who plan to travel for an extended period.

is the perfect option if you plan on traveling more than once a year.

Pre-existing medical travel insurance

policies may cover treatment for specific medical conditions.

is an affordable way to make sure you're covered on your next holiday.

Ski travel insurance

is a specialist winter sports policy that covers you against slope injuries.

Travel insurance articles

ETIAS: What is it and when does it start?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS is a new form you need to get before you travel to Europe and the Schengen area in 2025.

Holiday checklist – what should I pack?

What should be included in your holiday checklist? Everything you need to pack for beach holidays all the way to city-breaks.

How to get emergency travel documents

If you’re abroad and have lost your passport, you need to get an emergency travel document to get back to the UK. Read on for advice on getting an emergency passport.

Travelling to the USA? Then don't forget an ESTA

All your questions answered on an ESTA application, how long it lasts and whether you need one to travel to the USA

How to claim on your travel insurance

Making a claim should be relatively straightforward. Even so, there are ways to speed up the process.

Page last reviewed: 22 August 2023

Reviewed by:  Matthew Harwood

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Travel insurance for over 50s: the complete guide to getting the right cover

Having the right travel insurance for over 50s should give you peace of mind, as well as being affordable, even if you’re travelling with a medical condition.

• Look After My Bills Newsletter Newsletter

Looking for advice on getting travel insurance for over 50s? To keep the cost down, it’s important to consider all of your travel insurance options, especially if you’re travelling more often as you free up the time around retirement age.

Whether you are walking through the Alps, playing golf in the sun or lounging by the pool, it’s vital you arrange your travel insurance before you take off.

But while you may not be as young as you used to be, over 50s should not struggle to arrange a travel insurance policy. 

In many cases you will still be eligible for standard travel insurance although there some policies specifically targeted to holidaymakers over the age of 50 with additional benefits targeted at this demographic.

What does travel insurance for over 50s cover?

Just like any travel insurance policy, travel insurance for the over 50s should cover:

• Emergency medical cover, including repatriation back to the UK
• Cover for cancellation, curtailment and delays
• Baggage and personal belongings cover
• Legal and personal liability cover

However specialist travel insurance policies or policies that are tailored to the needs of the over 50s may also include:

• Additional medical cover, plans may cover a wider range of conditions
• Cover for medicines
• Cover for medical equipment
• Longer trip durations
• No upper age-limit
• Cover for a variety of leisure activities
• Cruise cover
• Gadget cover

In some cases additional benefits – cover for your golf clubs for example or winter sports – could be sold as a bolt-on to the policy for an additional fee.

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( MORE : How to protect yourself against holiday disaster )

How to get the best deal on over 50s travel insurance

Often the only real difference between standard travel insurance and over 50s travel insurance is the price. As you are that little bit older it is more likely that you will have pre-existing medical conditions or fall ill while you away, so cover is generally more expensive.

For this reason it is vital that you shop around to ensure that you don’t pay any more than you need. However, it’s important to note that the cheapest quote won’t always offer the best value and you should check what is covered before you buy.

This means thinking about what your trip will involve and the sort of things you’ll be doing.

While there’s no point paying for features you don’t need you equally don’t want to find yourself unable to claim if something goes wrong.

Over 50s travel insurance checklist

• From ski-ing to golf and water-sports, are ALL the activities you plan to take part in covered? Scope of cover varies substantially between plans.
• Does the policy include end supplier failure, in the event that your airline goes into administration or your hotel goes bust? If you are on a package holiday you should have ATOL protection, but if you’ve booked elements of your trip independently this cover provides valuable peace of mind.
• Are your pre-existing conditions covered? It might be tempting to keep any health problems under your hat, but failure to tell your insurer about any health problems could result in it refusing to pay your claim.
• How long can you be away for? Some policies cap the maximum trip duration at 30 days. If you’ve time on your hands and are planning a longer trip make sure it will be covered.
• What Covid cover is included? Some policies will pay out if a positive Covid test forces you to cancel your trip, or covers medical care and other expenses if you contract Covid while you are away. However this is not standard across all policies so it’s vital you check first.

( MORE : Holiday refunds )

What types over 50s travel insurance can I buy?

Over 50s travel insurance can be purchased on a single-trip or annual basis, depending on the number of times you are likely to go away.

You can also purchase policies for travel within Europe or worldwide cover. Worldwide policies, particularly those including the USA and Canada, are more expensive owing to the higher cost of medical care.

What makes most sense for you will depend on your travel plans. As a general rule, if you are planning more than one trip a year annual (or multi-trip) cover will be the most cost- effective option, however there are exceptions.

If for example you’re planning a week’s ski-ing in the USA – where medical costs are high and winter sports cover required – and a straightforward European city break where you won’t do anything much more adventurous than strolling the streets, two single trip plans could work out cheaper.

Rachel Lacey is a freelance journalist with more than 20 years' experience writing about all areas of personal finance and retirement planning.

After 17 years at Moneywise magazine as both writer and editor, Rachel now writes for a variety of websites and newspapers as well as corporate clients - these include Times Money Mentor, The Mail on Sunday, NerdWallet UK, Money.co.uk, The Money Edit,  and Ideal Home.

She is passionate about financial education and simplifying money matters for all.

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Over 50s Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for over 50s.

When it comes to travelling, age really is just a number. However, it can often mean more time (and money) to spend visiting the places you’ve always dreamed of. Having over 50s Travel Insurance to cover you during your trip could give you the peace of mind needed to fully relax while on holiday. Wherever you’re heading next, you should make sure you have the right over 50s Travel Insurance in place.

Why Choose Just Travel Cover

At Just Travel Cover we can provide Travel Insurance for over 50s – in fact there’s no upper age limit, and we can cover hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions too. We’ll compare insurers for you to find a policy that suits your needs, and there’s usually bronze, silver and gold options, so you can find the best over 50s Travel Insurance for your budget and travel needs. Nobody likes to think that something will go wrong while on holiday, but it is best to be prepared. If you’re an over 50s traveller, finding over 50s Travel Insurance will ensure you’re covered.

Get Cover for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you’re an over 50s traveller and have a pre-existing medical condition, we can help you find over 50s holiday insurance with medical conditions cover so you can travel with confidence. When declaring your pre-existing medical condition to your Travel Insurance provider, it is important to spare no details about your condition. By being thorough in your explanation, you can rest easy knowing your over 50s Travel Insurance with medical conditions cover is the right policy for you and your travel needs.

Over 50 Travel Advice

Compare over 50 travel insurance, over 50s life insurance.

We’ve teamed up with the UK’s number 1 rated Life Insurance experts iam|INSURED.

Specialising in Guaranteed Over 50s Life Insurance and Life Insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions, iam|INSURED’s team of highly skilled experts can help find the best policy for you.

Over 50s Travel Insurance FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our Over 50s Travel Insurance.

What does over 50s Travel Insurance cover?

Over 50s Travel Insurance can protect you against medical emergencies or unexpected situations whilst you’re away. At Just Travel Cover we work with specialist insurers to make sure you are protected against the unforeseen, from losing your luggage to needing emergency medical treatment abroad, holiday insurance for over 50s will have you covered.

Where can I go with over 50s Travel Insurance cover?

Anywhere. With our over 50s Travel Insurance it is easier than ever to travel more and make sure you’re fully protected for your needs. We offer Single Trip Travel Insurance which will cover you for a trip up to 365 days and our Annual multi trip Travel Insurance offers protection for unlimited trips, with each trip up to 93 days long.

Do pre-existing medical conditions affect the cost of over 50s Travel Insurance?

Travelling at 50 or over with pre-existing medical conditions may be more expensive due to the increased chance of needing emergency medical treatment abroad – the cost varies from country to country. Having over 50s Travel Insurance that covers emergency medical cover, including pre-existing conditions, could save you thousands in medical bills.

How much does over 50s Travel Insurance cost?

The cost of over 50s Travel Insurance all depends on your own individual circumstances and needs. Travel Insurance prices will vary based on age, destination, trip length and medical history. We offer three options bronze, silver and gold from a range of insurers, to allow you to choose the best policy for you.

Is Travel Insurance for Over 50s more expensive?

There are a number of factors, such as age, destination, trip length and medical history, that can affect the amount you pay for a Travel Insurance Policy. Once you have submitted your details, we will prepare a personalised quote comparing several insurers. This will provide a full list of prices so you can choose the best over 50s Travel Insurance policy  that is suitable for your needs at an affordable price. It may be the case that your over 50s Travel Insurance is more expensive, but this will be determined by a host of other factors, so speak with one of our Travel Insurance experts today.

What pre-existing conditions do you cover for over 50s?

We offer over 50s Travel Cover for a number of medical conditions at all levels of severity, including a terminal prognosis. Some of the conditions we cover are heart conditions, high blood pressure, cholesterol, joint problems (arthritis, back pain), diabetes, cancer, mental health conditions, liver conditions, breathing conditions, circulatory conditions and disabilities, to name but a few.

It is important to declare all pre-existing conditions to ensure you are fully covered in the event of a claim. We will then work on your behalf to find a suitable over 50s Travel Insurance policy.

Simply follow our online medical screening process, call us or for any other questions, drop us a message on our online chat! We are experienced in helping people find over 50s holiday insurance with medical conditions cover, so we can help you too.

Will Just Travel Cover compare Over 50s Travel Insurance on my behalf?

Yes, we work with a panel of specialist providers here at Just Travel Cover. Once you have submitted your details online (or provided over the phone), we will show you all over 50s Travel Insurance options available to you. We have three levels of cover bronze, silver and gold, each offering varying levels of cover depending on your needs.

• Single Trip Travel Insurance for over 50s – for trips up to 365 days
• Annual multi trip Travel Insurance for over 50s – for unlimited trips (each trip up to 93 days)
• Hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, including terminal prognosis covered
• High levels of cancellation and emergency medical expenses cover
• Travel disruption cover (subject to age and cover level)
• Lost documents, baggage, medications and medical aids cover
• Flexibility – 3 levels of cover to suit your needs
• Travel companions can be included in the same policy
• Zero excess policies available

Instant Cancellation Cover

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Over 50s travel insurance

Stress-free cover for your carefree years, up to £20m medical cover.

For emergency illness and injury

Protect your belongings

Up to £2.5K if your things are lost, stolen or damaged.

5 Star rated cover

Our Platinum cover has Defaqto's highest rating

What’s over 50s travel insurance?

It’s simply travel insurance that caters to the needs of holidaymakers over the age of 50.

You can tailor your policy to suit your next getaway, whether you’re going on a luxury cruise or need cover for a specific health condition.

What over 50s travel insurance covers

We'll cover you for the following events. Remember policy limits and exclusions apply, so always check your policy book .

Emergency medical expenses

If you become ill or are injured while you're on holiday, we'll cover necessary emergency medical costs.

Delayed or missed departure

We'll cover reasonable travel and accommodation expenses if your trip's delayed or you miss transport for unforeseen reasons.

Personal accident cover

We'll pay up to your policy limits if you have an accident which causes your death, loss of sight or limb, or permanent disablement.

Lost or stolen belongings

If your personal belongings are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip, you can claim up to your policy limits.

Legal liability and legal assistance

We'll pay for reasonable legal costs to help you claim compensation for injury, illness or death during your holiday.

Cover for specific COVID-19 related events

You can find out more about how COVID-19 could affect your travel insurance on our dedicated FAQ page .

Choose from three levels of cover

What's excess.

Excess is the amount of money you pay to your insurance provider if you need to make a claim on your travel insurance. This applies to each insured person for each type of claim you make.

What's not covered

This list isn't exhaustive and doesn't include exclusions for our specialist travel insurance like cruise and winter sports.

• flights cancelled or delayed for any reason other than adverse weather, strike, or mechanical breakdown
• claims related to flights that don't start or end in the UK (connected flights)
• trip cancellation because you've changed your mind
• pre-existing conditions you've not declared
• claims related to death or illness of someone not on the policy linked to conditions they had when you bought your policy
• lost or stolen items you've left unattended
• claims where you can't give us evidence, for example, a police report or receipts
• being denied entry because you don't have passports or the correct visas
• extreme sports, winter sports or cruise trips unless you've paid for the additional cover
• circumstances that aren't specified in your policy

For more information on what's covered read our policy book .

Guide to your Travel Insurance cover

What's a pre-existing condition.

We define a pre-existing condition as an illness or injury that:

• has been identified by a doctor
• is under investigation by a doctor
• is known to you before your policy starts

A pre-existing condition includes things like:

• high cholesterol
• heart disease
• high blood pressure

If you have a pre-existing condition, you must disclose it to us before you buy your policy, otherwise you won't be covered for any related claims.

Unfortunately, we can't offer cover for all medical conditions. If you have a serious health condition, we recommend using MoneyHelper's travel insurance directory or calling 0800 138 7777 (open Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00 excl. bank holidays).

Reporting a pre-existing condition

To cover your pre-existing conditions, you need to:

Declare them on your policy

If you're unsure of what to declare, please call us on 0333 234 9913

Wait for our confirmation

We'll let you know via email.

Pay any additional costs

You won't be covered until the premium is paid

Does over 50s travel insurance cost more?

The cost of policies always depends on where you’re going, how long you’re going for, and what you’re going to get up to on your trip.

The price might be higher if you have a pre-existing condition which you need to pay a premium for.

Upgrade your cover

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy. Our Winter Sports Upgrade or Cruise Upgrade need to be added otherwise your trip won't be covered.

Gadget Cover

Add gadget cover to your policy and get protection for your high-value tech.

Cruise Insurance

Cover for missed port departure, cabin confinement or unused excursions.

Winter Sports Insurance

Cover for events like piste closure and lost, stolen or damaged ski equipment.

How to make a claim

You'll need:

• medical records

Visit our make a claim page for our contact details.

Your questions answered

What if my medical conditions change after i've bought my policy.

If your medical condition changes after you've brought a policy with us, but before you've gone on holiday, you need to let us know as soon as possible. We can make sure your policy is up-to-date and you still have the right cover. You might need to pay an extra premium.

Is there an upper age limit?

The maximum age limit for our policies is up to 79 years old for annual multi-trip policies, and up to 85 years old for single trip policies. The age limit and level of cover we offer depends on your information and details of your holiday.

Still have questions?

We’ve answered a bunch of your frequently asked questions.

Useful guides

Travel insurance jargon buster

Holiday cancellation cover and travel insurance

Travel insurance for people with medical conditions

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Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, over 50s travel insurance.

• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
• Up to £10K cancellation cover
• 24/7 emergency medical helpline

Covered 27 million+ travellers

Trusted for 20+ years

24/7 emergency helpline

If you’re over 50, you can get single trip or annual multi-trip cover in minutes. You can contact us over the phone to get a quote or follow our simple online quote process.

What is travel insurance for the over 50s?

Travel insurance for over 50s includes cover for medical expenses, cancellation, repatriation if medically necessary and much more. We can consider cover for all pre-existing medical conditions so that you can look forward to your trip, no matter your medical history. We also include cover for over 100 sports and activities.

If you have a medical condition you need cover for, you can find out more on our page about travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions . You can also go through our online medical screening process or contact us .

What does over 50s travel insurance cover?

Key features of our over 50s travel insurance include:

• Medical and hospital expenses (pre-existing conditions must be declared)
• Cover for over 100 adventure sports and activities
• Baggage cover
• Personal money cover
• Holiday cancellation cover
• Personal accident cover
• Accommodation cover
• Legal expenses cover

Pre-existing medical conditions for over 50s

If you need travel insurance for medical conditions – don’t worry! We’ll consider any medical condition and do our best to provide the best possible cover. Just follow our simple online screening process when you buy your policy, and we’ll tell you if we can cover your condition (we almost always can) and whether you’ll need to pay any extra (you often don’t).

Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance for over 50s

Our single trip travel insurance may be the best option if you’re going away just once this year.

If you’re likely to go abroad a few times during the year, then our annual multi-trip cover could save you time and money instead of buying an individual insurance policy for each trip.

If you’re planning to travel with your family or in a large group, then our family travel insurance or group travel insurance might suit you. Or if you’re going for a romantic trip, just the two of you, we offer couples travel insurance – so you’ll both be covered under the same policy.

Cruise travel insurance for over 50s

Planning on taking a cruise? Then you simply need to add our specialist cruise travel insurance to your policy.

Our cruise holiday insurance includes extra cover for a number of cruise-specific eventualities including cabin confinement, interruption, itinerary changes and more.

Just like our standard travel insurance, we can consider any pre-existing medical conditions on our cruise travel insurance, which also has no upper age limit.

Travel Tips for over 50s

Being 50 or over shouldn’t stop you from travelling the world to your heart’s content. But there are some things you should consider when travelling in your fifties.

• Take advantage of your freedom . One of the perks of getting older is that your holidays are no longer dictated by term times. Make the most of this and travel off to places during the off-season. This can save you money but may also let you experience a new side of a familiar destination.
• Make sure you have plenty of medication . If you are on any medication, make sure you bring enough for your trip and a little extra in case of any delays. It’s worth checking how much you have at least a week before you leave, so you have plenty of time to ask your GP for more.
• Keep moving when travelling . If you’re likely to be sitting for any length of time, especially on a flight, do your best to keep moving. If you cannot get up and walk, remember to keep stretching and try to stand when you can. DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is more likely to affect older travellers, so consider picking up some flight socks as well.

Frequently asked questions

Do i need a ghic card as well as travel insurance.

British citizens should carry a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) whenever they travel to Europe. This will cover any necessary treatments you may receive at public healthcare centres or hospitals on your trip. However, it’s important to remember to still have European travel insurance to cover the costs of any unexpected medical treatment the EHIC or GHIC might not cover

What is considered a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

A pre-existing medical condition is any medical condition for which any person insured on this policy has:

• Taken any prescribed medication or received medical treatment within the last 2 years
• Been registered in or outpatient at a hospital, clinic or GP surgery in the last 2 years.
• Been advised of a terminal illness.
• You must inform InsureandGo of any pre-existing medical conditions you have before purchasing insurance. To do so, you can use our quick and easy online medical screening system.

For your information, examples of conditions that can directly or indirectly be linked to any pre-existing medical condition include, but are not limited to:

• Someone with breathing difficulties who then suffers a chest infection of any kind;
• Someone with high blood pressure or diabetes who then has a heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke;
• Someone who has or has had cancer who suffers with a secondary cancer; or
• Someone with osteoporosis who then suffers with a broken or fractured bone.

How far in advance should I get travel insurance?

You need to buy your travel insurance before you leave the UK, as it’s not usually possible to start a policy once you’re already abroad. Ideally, you should arrange cover as soon as you know you’ll be travelling to ensure you’ll be covered if you unexpectedly have to cancel before you go.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

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Over 50s Travel Insurance

• Travel with confidence with Travel Insurance for the over 50's.
• We can cover all pre-existing medical conditions, medical emergencies and cancellations.

Our Travel Insurance for Over 50s will cover you for any unexpected medical bills when you’re on holiday, as well as any cancellation costs before you go.

What is Over 50s Travel Insurance – and do you need it?

Over 50s Travel Insurance is specialist cover for older travellers, designed to meet your specific needs, including any medical conditions . We’ll cover you for unexpected medical costs, cancellations, delays, lost luggage and repatriation.

Travel Insurance is vital as unexpected medical bills abroad can put a sizeable dent in anyone’s finances.

• 10 Brits are hospitalised abroad each day , according to UK Government estimates.
• The cost of treatment for pneumonia in Spain can reach over £179,000 + .
• £100,000 is how much a hospital trip for a stomach bug would set you back in California, according to the UK Government.

Remember that your Travel Insurance policy is only valid if you buy it before you leave the UK.

What does AllClear’s Over 50s Travel Insurance cover?

What’s covered.

• Medical cover – AllClear policies include emergency medical cover, as well as medical costs for existing conditions. This includes prescription medication, medical emergencies and medical equipment.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Cover for your flight and accommodation costs if you unexpectedly have to cancel before you go, or need to return home early following an emergency.
• Your baggage – Protection against the cost of stolen, damaged or lost luggage and personal possessions. You can also choose to add extra cover for gadgets to your policy.
• Travel delays and missed departure – If your flight is delayed, we’ll compensate you for the time. You’ll also be covered for accommodation and transport costs if you miss your flight.
• Personal liability – Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
• All ages – We think Travel Insurance should be available to as many people as possible, that’s why our UK Travel Insurance policies have no upper age limit .

What’s not covered?

• Deciding not to travel – We do not provide any cover if you can travel but choose not to.
• Other regions – Your Over 50s Travel Insurance won’t cover you if you travel outside your chosen region, although you can contact us to upgrade your policy at any time. 
• Claims below the value of excess – You’re not covered for claims that fall below the value of the excess stated in your policy
• Medical conditions you fail to declare – You need to provide us with an accurate medical history when you buy Travel Insurance so we can provide you the right cover. This is especially vital for senior travellers, and those with long-term illness
• Winter sports – While most of our policy options cover all ages, we do not cover anyone over the age of 65 for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.

We tailor all our travel policies to your specific requirements, which is why we have three different levels of policy available: Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum.

SWIPE TO COMPARE POLICIES

* If you buy a policy which includes cancellation cover. / All these figures are per person and per trip.

AllClear’s Travel Insurance For Over 50s with pre-existing medical conditions

Our Travel Insurance for Over 50s covers you for medical emergencies while away. This means you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you do not need to worry about unexpected medical bills.

But we don’t just cover for accidents or injuries. As a Specialist Medical Travel Insurance provider , we cover over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. This means you’ll be covered if you need emergency medical treatment related to your condition while abroad.

Our Medical Travel Insurance offer up to unlimited cover for emergency medical treatment. With an AllClear policy, you’ll be protected, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

Discover our over 50 Travel Insurance with medical conditions. We cover conditions including:

• Heart Conditions – We’ll cover cardiovascular issues that affect heart function, including high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation .
• Respiratory problems – This includes conditions that are linked with, or cause breathing difficulties, like asthma and COPD .
• Chronic illnesses – Including long-term issues like Crohn’s disease , cancer , gallstones , diabetes and more.
• Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions impacting your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems , osteoarthritis and osteoporosis .
• Neurological conditions – Disorders affecting the brain and nervous system, including strokes , epilepsy and multiple sclerosis .
• Mental health – Including mental health concerns like depression or schizophrenia .

To ensure you’re fully covered, you must declare any medical condition during the Medical screening process. Failure to disclose when buying Travel Insurance may leave you without protection.

Find the best Over 50s Travel Insurance for your trip

Whether you’re planning to go skiing or play golf, AllClear has the right cover for you.

• Planning a long trip? Our Single Trip Travel Insurance will cover you for a single trip of up to 365 consecutive days.
• Taking multiple trips? Our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance has you covered, no matter how many trips you do this year.
• Departing on a cruise? Protect yourself against cabin confinement, missed departures and even unused excursions with our Cruise Insurance .
• Big family holiday? Our Family Travel Insurance covers the entire family (up to 10 people) with a single policy. That means less paperwork and less hassle.
• Seeing more of the UK? Our UK Travel Insurance covers you against cancelled accommodation or any other holiday mishaps.

Countries covered by our Over 50s Travel Insurance

Our policies can cover you for trips to every destination, including:

• UK – Our UK policies cover you while on holiday in the UK. Please note that cover for medical expenses does not apply to UK trips.
• Europe – Get cover for any country in Europe, as well as Egypt, Morocco & Tunisia.
• Worldwide – Cover for any destination around the world. You can choose to include or exclude the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

How our Travel Insurance For Over 50s works: A simple 3 step quote process

Getting Over 50s Travel Insurance is made easy with AllClear. Simply complete our quick 3-step screening process to receive your quote.

Here’s how it works.

1 . Get a quote online or by phone

Once you’re ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your travel plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.

2 . Complete our simple medical screening process

Next, you need to declare any medical conditions you have and any medications you or your travel companions are taking. Be sure to answer all our medical questions and tell us everything we need to know about your current health.

This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.

3 . Receive your quote

You will then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.

“Our Over 50s Travel Insurance is designed so you can keep adventuring as you get older. We’re here as your safety net, offering financial protection for all kinds of unexpected issues, from medical emergencies to lost luggage.” We’re here as your safety net, offering financial protection for all kinds of unexpected issues, from medical emergencies to lost luggage.”

Letitia Smith – Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

Helpful friendly staff.

“I have just purchased an Annual Travel Insurance policy from this company. I have to say that the staff were friendly, patient and helpful. For the last few years, I have used a well-known company that specialises in over 50’s but their premiums are almost double those of AllClear and the cover from AllClear is as good if not better in some cases. The paperwork supplied is easy to read and understand. Well worth getting a quote from this company for your needs.” –  Steve

We’re the UK’s most trusted Travel Insurance provider 3 . We’re committed to helping you get the best possible customer service.

 Here’s what our customers had to say about us.

What our Customers Say

Frequently asked questions on over 50s travel insurance, does travel insurance cost more when you turn 50.

Age is just one factor which can affect the cost of a policy, alongside;

• Your destination.
• Your medical conditions.
• The length of your trip.

Does Travel Insurance have upper age limits?

We believe that age should not be a barrier to enjoying the world, which is why our Travel Insurance policies have no upper age limit. You can keep exploring the world through your 50s, 60s , 70s and beyond . However, you cannot get cover over the age of 65 for winter sports.

What does Travel Insurance for Over 50s cover?

Travel Insurance for Over 50s covers medical emergency, repatriation, valuables, loss of baggage, and cover for travel delays or missed departures.

At AllClear, we also offer additional extras such as:

• Waiting List : If you’re on a medical waiting list and have booked your holiday, upgrade to cover against any cancellation or curtailment that may occur as a result.
• Golf cover : Extra cover for golf-specific issues, including green fees and golf equipment.
• Gadget cover : Protect your most important items, from phones to laptops for up to up to £3,000.
• Excess waiver : On some of our policies you can choose to waive the excess and pay nothing in the event of a claim.

When should you buy over 50s Travel Insurance?

You should buy over 50s Travel Insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday. This will mean you’ll be covered if any issues arise between booking and taking your holiday.

Remember that you need to have purchased a Travel Insurance policy before you leave the UK for it to be valid.

Do you need Over 50s Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC card?

You still need a valid Travel Insurance policy even if you have a GHIC. The GHIC, formerly known as the EHIC, is not a replacement for Travel Insurance. It covers you for some unexpected medical costs while in Europe, but it does not cover other costs, such as transport to or from a hospital, as well as lost valuables, cancelled flights or accommodation.

Do you need to declare all your medical conditions for Travel Insurance?

Yes, you need to declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions when buying your travel insurance – even if you feel as though your conditions will not cause any problems. If you don’t, you may find that your policy is invalid and be liable for all costs as a result. 

What factors will affect the cost of Over 50s Travel Insurance?

If you have pre-existing conditions, you need an over 50s Travel Insurance policy that covers them. This will impact the price of your policy.

Other things can affect the price of your policy include:

• Destination : Some destinations have higher medical costs or greater risks than others. 
• Trip length : Longer trips mean a higher chance you’ll need to make a claim. If you’re looking for a single-trip policy, the price will depend on how long your planned trip is.
• Optional extras: You can amend your policy to suit your needs by adding extra cancellation cover, or increased baggage protection. We also offer additional cover for winter sports, cruises, or golf. However, adding this extra protection can impact the price of your policy.

Does being over 50 affect how long you can travel on the Travel Insurance policy?

No, your age does not limit how long you can travel on your Travel Insurance policy. However, your specific policy type does.

• If you have Single Trip Travel Insurance , you can be away on a single trip for up to 365 consecutive days and still be covered.
• If you have Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance , you can go abroad multiple times a year, but each trip cannot last longer than 45 days.
• If you need to be away longer than 45 days, you’ll need our Extended Stay optional extra. This extends the cover available per trip to 50 or 55 days, depending on the level of cover you choose.

Does the over 50's Travel Insurance cover include repatriation?

Yes, all our Travel Insurance policies include repatriation cover. If anything happens while you’re away that means you need to be flown back to the UK for treatment, you won’t be out of pocket.

Can you get over 50's cover if you're on a waiting list for treatment?

Yes, you can still get Over 50s Travel Insurance if you’re on the waiting list for treatment. We would recommend getting Waiting List Cover as an optional extra for your policy. This will cover you against any cancellation or curtailment if you’re moved up the list for treatment.

Can someone else join your Travel Insurance policy if they're under 50?

Yes, you can add more people to your Travel Insurance policy, with no age limitations. With our Group Travel Insurance , we can insure between two to ten people on a single policy. You’ll just need to declare anyone in the group has pre-existing medical conditions. 

If you’ve already got a policy that you want to add people to, simply chat with us online or call us on 01708 339026.

How often can you travel with Travel Insurance for over 50s?

There is no limit to how often you can travel if you have Over 50s Travel Insurance. If you have Single Trip Travel Insurance , you’ll only be covered for a single trip of up to 365 days.

If you’re planning to be away more often than once a year, we’d recommend getting Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance , as this will cover you for multiple trips throughout the year, but each trip cannot last longer than 31 days.

What if my medical conditions change after buying my policy?

If you’ve purchased over 50s Travel Insurance from AllClear, you can amend your details at any time. Get in touch at the earliest possible opportunity to let us know what has changed concerning your medical condition. Before you travel, let us know of any changes to ensure that your policy is the most up-to-date and that you’re still covered.

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Get the most out of your trip with our helpful guides.

Where are you visiting?

Explore our helpful guides for tips to ensure you remember everything you need when travelling to one of the below destinations.

What activities do you have planned?

Whether you’re planning a skiing holiday or setting sail on a cruise, remember to add the coverage you need to your policy for a worry-free trip.

• United Kingdom
• Skiing Travel Insurance
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Gold Travel Insurance

+ Based on real AllClear customer claims, 2023.

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 27 March 2024

3 - Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 40,000 reviews as of September 2023.

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Travel Insurance Over 50

Fifty Plus? Not an issue!

We insure holidaymakers in their 50s, including those with pre-existing medical conditions.

• 24-hour emergency medical support
• Covid-19 cover included
• Retrieve quote

Awards & Accreditations

Total Travel Protection is brought to you by Ancile Insurance Group Limited who have been specialising in travel insurance cover for medical conditions and older travellers since 2010.

Travel Insurance for over 50s

At Total Travel Protection, we know that age is just a number and not one that should limit your holiday options.

We are specialists in over 50s travel insurance: We’re devoted to making sure that all our customers can continue to take whatever sorts of holidays they like, safe in the knowledge that they have travel insurance cover in place.

Our over 50s travel insurance policies are age restriction-free – there are no upper age limits and pre-existing medical conditions shouldn’t be an issue either.

Travel insurance cover and benefits

• Emergency medical & repatriation up to £10 million (Platinum Cover)
• 24 hour emergency medical assistance
• Cancellation cover up to £6,000 (Platinum Cover)
• Cover for mobility aids and prescription medication
• Personal property up to £3,000 (Platinum Cover)
• Personal liability up to £2 million (Platinum Cover)
• Legal expenses up to £25,000

Pre-existing medical conditions are covered

Over 50s travel insurance protection.

Your over 50s travel insurance policy with Total Travel Protection will be tailored precisely to provide the cover you need with regards to your specific holiday and your medical conditions.

We’re experts in providing travel insurance cover for unexpected emergency medical expenses that may occur during your travels, and you’ll have access to our emergency medical assistance team by phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you are in the world.

If you use mobility aids or prescription medication, we can cover those too, as well as cancellations, personal possessions, legal expenses, personal liability and much more besides.

Travel insurance cover is available instantly via our website, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. View our full spectrum of travel insurance options for over 50s along with medical screening.

Over 50s cover by phone

If your travel insurance needs are more complex, or you just prefer to speak to someone in person, one of our professional, friendly team members will be delighted to answer your call.

You can call us on 0330 053 3747

We are open Sales:Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm.Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5.30pm.Customer service:Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm..

Single trip insurance (over 50s)

As you might expect, our over 50 single-trip travel insurance is designed to cover one specific trip or holiday, from whenever you set off to the moment you get home.

Single trip insurance

Cruise insurance (over 50s)

Cruise holidays are covered as standard on our over 50 travel insurance policies at Total Travel Protection. Whether you’re cruising on the sea or river, we can provide cover to suit.

Cruise insurance

Additional cover options

Additional cover including gadget, natural catastrophe and waiting list cover can be selected during the quote process.

Natural catastrophe

Natural catastrophe provides extra travel insurance cover for cancellation and unexpected additional expenses caused by catastrophic natural events such as hurricanes, fire, flood and volcanic eruptons. Read More

Gadget cover

This optional cover extends your travel insurance to include cover for loss, theft and damage to your gadgets, such as phones, tablets and smartwatches whilst you are away on your holiday. Read More .

Hazardous sports and activities

Our travel insurance policies provide cover for a number of sports and activities as standard, including trekking up to 2000 metres, sailing within 12 nautical miles of shore and glass bottomed boat trips. Additional cover for more adventurous activities can be added.  Read More

Missed connection cover

Ideal for cruise, coach or rail holidays that start from an overseas location, our Missed Connection option extends your travel insurance to include cover for additional expenses if you miss a connecting flight, ferry, cruise ship, train, or motor vehicle as a result of a delay to your initial international outbound transport.

Terrorism cover extension

Our terrorism cover extension provides additional travel insurance cover to enable you to cancel or cut short your trip if a terrorist act occurs within a 40-mile radius of your pre-booked accommodation.

Pet cancellation cover

This option extends the cancellation and curtailment section of your travel insurance to include unrecoverable holiday costs, such as transport, accommodation, and foreign car hire, if your pet dog or cat needs emergency life-saving treatment. Read More

Additional waiting list cover

Additional cancellation and curtailment cover if you are on a waiting list for treatment or investigation for a diagnosed condition.

Over 50s travel insurance FAQ

I am over 50 and looking to travel with my grandchildren, can you cover us all.

We certainly can! We specialise in cover for over 50s, but if you’re travelling as part of a group that includes younger holidaymakers, we’ll be glad to tailor a solution that covers your whole party.

I am over 50 and use a mobility scooter when I travel, will you still insure me?

Of course! Our policies will also cover your mobility aids for loss, theft or damage whilst you are away.

I am over 50 and planning to go hiking on holiday, will you still cover me?

Absolutely! As standard, the travel insurance policies we provide to over 50s include cover for many pursuits such as trekking and hiking to a height of up to 2000 metres.

We can also extend your cover to include hiking or trekking up to a height of 3000 metres if you’re feeling more adventurous.We don’t believe that your interests should be limited by your date of birth!

More information about cover for sports and activities >>

Please note: our extended cover for sports and activities is only available up to the age of 75.

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Passing Thru Travel

Golden Getaways: Top World Destinations for the Over-50s

Posted: March 9, 2024 | Last updated: March 9, 2024

Retirement opens a new chapter for exploration and adventure. It’s a time when one can finally take the long-awaited trips and immerse in new cultures without the constraints of limited vacation time. Senior travel is not just about visiting places; it’s about creating experiences that are enriching, comfortable, and safe.

This phase of life allows for a more leisurely pace of travel, the luxury of longer stays, and often, the freedom to travel outside peak seasons. In this listicle, we explore 15 best practices and destinations for seniors who wish to experience the world, ensuring their travel adventures are as fulfilling as they are memorable.

Prioritize Comfort and Accessibility

Choose destinations known for their senior-friendly infrastructure, including public transportation, walking paths, and accessible accommodations.

Consider Health and Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and understand the healthcare options available in your destination.

Plan for a Leisurely Pace

Allow for a relaxed pace in your itinerary, with time for rest, leisurely meals, and spontaneous discoveries.

Pack light and efficiently, focusing on comfort and practicality, and consider luggage with features like four wheels for ease of movement.

Embrace Guided Tours

Guided tours can offer insightful experiences with the convenience of pre-arranged transportation, accommodation, and activities.

Stay Connected

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jose Calsina

Keep a mobile phone with international capabilities to stay in touch with family and access essential services like maps and translation apps.

Leverage Senior Discounts

Many destinations offer senior discounts on attractions, transportation, and accommodations, so always inquire about them.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Take advantage of the lower prices and fewer crowds during shoulder and off-peak travel seasons.

Engage in Cultural and Educational Experiences

Choose destinations that offer enriching activities, such as cooking classes, language lessons, or local crafts workshops.

Focus on Safety

Stay informed about the safety of your chosen destination and practice common safety measures, like safeguarding your valuables.

Consider Comfortable Accommodations

Opt for accommodations that offer comfort and conveniences, such as on-site dining, elevators, and in-room accessibility features.

Use Reputable Travel Agencies

Consider booking through reputable travel agencies that specialize in senior travel for a hassle-free experience.

Stay Active

Incorporate activities like walking tours, nature hikes, or bike rides to stay active and engage more intimately with your surroundings.

Document Your Journey

Keep a travel journal or blog to document your experiences and share them with friends and family.

Maintain an Open Mind

Be open to new experiences and interactions, which can lead to unexpected adventures and lifelong memories.

Tuscany, Italy

Offers a blend of stunning landscapes, historical cities, and a relaxed pace of life.

Kyoto, Japan

Known for its beautiful temples, gardens, and senior-friendly public transportation.

Algarve, Portugal

Boasts mild weather, beautiful coastlines, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Canadian Rockies, Canada

Ideal for nature lovers, with breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

New Zealand

Offers a mix of adventure and relaxation in a safe, senior-friendly environment.

The Rhine River, Europe

River cruises along the Rhine offer a leisurely way to see multiple European countries.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Perfect for exploring historic sites and serene landscapes.

Provence, France

Known for its lavender fields, fine cuisine, and quaint villages.

The South Island, New Zealand

Offers stunning landscapes and a range of activities from wine tasting to leisurely walks.

Barcelona, Spain

Features rich culture, accessible beaches, and a pedestrian-friendly city center.

Traveling as a senior offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from cultural immersion to natural wonders. These 15 tips and destinations provide a guide for seniors to travel comfortably, safely, and enjoyably.

Remember, travel knows no age limit; it’s about the spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering new places and creating new memories. So pack your bags, embrace the journey, and revel in the freedom and excitement that senior travel brings.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Golden Getaways: Top World Destinations for the Over-50s republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mariia Boiko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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• Nationwide Travel Insurance
• AXA Assistance USA
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• World Nomads Travel Insurance

Cruise Travel Insurance Tips

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Affordability
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best for Seniors
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Locations

Compare the Top Cruise Insurance Offers

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

• Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
• Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
• Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
• Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
• Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
• Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
• Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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